13 - Statutory Authorities in Scotland

Abstract

Local government in Scotland was reorganized by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. All councils—regional, district, and islands—are directly elected. Members of all councils hold office for a four-year term. Elections are staggered so that district councilors are voted in midway through the regional term of office. As in England, local authorities are separate, legal persons that perform certain functions laid down by statute and the doctrine of ultra vires also applies in Scotland so that no authority may act out with its statutory powers. As in England, local authorities appoint officials and staff to enable them to carry out their statutory functions. Much of the work of the authority is, as in England, delegated to various committees. The implementation of policy is left to the appropriate service committee such as the planning committee, the highways committee, and the education committee, which have delegated powers in the areas of their responsibility. This chapter discusses functions of local authorities in Scotland.